Show Marathi films or face action, Maharashtra Government warns multiplexes

The Maharashtra Government has decided to reserve one screen for Marathi films in the upcoming multiplexes all over the state. The decision has been taken after the producers of Marathi films complained that their films were not getting prime slots in the multiplexes.

Home minister R.R. Patil announced the decision after a meeting of multiplex owners, distributors and the producers of Marathi films on Tuesday. He warned the multiplex owners that if they do not give prime slots for Marathi films their licenses will not be renewed.

He also said that the Government will make the workers of Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) who damaged the multiplexes demanding prime slots for Marathi films last week to pay compensation for the damage and the loss in revenue. Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Ramesh Kumar and Mumbai Police Commissioner Sanjeev Dayal were also present for the meeting.

"The Government will appoint a committee to solve the issues related with distribution of Marathi films. The decisions of this committee will be mandatory for the cinema hall owners. The multiplex owners, distributors and producers should also form a co-ordination committee to solve their internal issues. It is mandatory for the multiplex owners to organise at least 44 shows of Marathi films. The shows must be in the afternoon and evening and not in the morning," Patil said.

Earlier, the producers of Marathi films had called on MNS chief Raj Thackeray and Deputy Chief Minister Chhagan Bhujbal for their demands.

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